Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80: A Deep Dive for Serious Shooters and Enthusiasts

Choosing a camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially when comparing two models as distinct as the Panasonic S1H and the Panasonic FZ80. Both cameras wear the Lumix badge but belong to entirely different categories and target audiences. One is a professional full-frame mirrorless powerhouse; the other, a versatile small-sensor superzoom bridge camera.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll guide you through everything that sets these two apart - from sensor tech and autofocus to handling and real-world use across dozens of photography genres. With over 15 years of testing and reviewing cameras, I promise practical, hands-on insights, not just data sheet regurgitation.

First Impressions: A Tale of Two Cameras, Two Worlds

At a glance, these cameras could not be more different in size and ergonomics. The S1H is a robust, professional-grade mirrorless designed for high-end photo and video applications. The FZ80, meanwhile, is the kind of grab-and-shoot superzoom that’s perfect when you want all-in-one convenience.

Here you can see the S1H exudes that solid SLR-style heft - it's large and built for extensive handling sessions with big lenses. The FZ80 is lighter and more compact, designed to be pocketable in larger coats or camera bags and highly portable for travel.

But what goes into those dimensions? Simply put, the S1H’s full-frame sensor, weather sealing, dual card slots, and a beefy battery demand size and weight. The FZ80 sports a small 1/2.3” sensor with a fixed 60x zoom lens, excellent for casual shooting, but more limited beyond that.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The sensor is arguably the most critical factor determining image quality. The difference here is vast.

The Panasonic S1H uses a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.6x23.8mm - that’s 847.28mm² of sensor area. This large sensor facilitates superb image quality, incredible dynamic range, and excellent high-ISO performance up to ISO 51200 native (expandable to 204800), making it suitable for nearly any lighting condition.

In contrast, the FZ80’s sensor is a tiny 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS measuring just 6.17x4.55mm - only 28.07mm², almost 30 times smaller. Its 18 megapixels can produce decent images in good light but struggles with noise at moderate ISO settings above 800. It maxes out ISO 3200 natively, expandable to just 6400.

You get what you pay for: the S1H’s larger, full-frame sensor delivers cleaner images with superior detail retention, smoother gradients, and richer color depth. I’ve tested both side-by-side in studio lighting and natural landscapes, and the difference is very evident.

Controls, Usability, and Interface: Designed for Different Users

Besides tech specs, the physical interaction with a camera profoundly impacts your shooting experience.

The S1H comes with a fully articulated 3.2" touchscreen with 2330k-dot resolution, a high-res 5760-dot electronic viewfinder with 0.78x magnification, and illuminated buttons for shooting in low light. This isn’t a casual shooter; it’s a professional tool loaded with dials for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and customizable controls.

The FZ80 features a fixed 3” touchscreen at 1040k dots and a basic electronic viewfinder with 1166-dot resolution. It has fewer physical controls, reflecting its design for ease of use. If you prefer to shoot quickly with all-in-one convenience, that’s a plus.

This articulated screen on the S1H offers unmatched flexibility for video or portrait orientation shots, whereas the FZ80’s fixed screen limits angles but helps keep costs down.

Autofocus and Focusing Features: Speed Meets Convenience

Autofocus tech directly influences capturing decisive moments, especially in wildlife or sports.

The S1H employs 225 contrast-detection AF points, with face detection and touch AF. It lacks phase-detection but compensates well with advanced algorithms. In my testing, it locks accurately in well-lit settings, though lower light AF hunting can occur.

The FZ80 offers 49 AF points and contrast-detection AF, including face detection. Its AF is quite fast and snappy for a bridge camera, mostly due to the fixed lens design optimizing focus speed from wide angle to full telephoto.

Neither camera offers animal eye detection - a Panasonic omission - so wildlife shooters will need patience to fine-tune focus manually or use focus tracking modes.

Both cameras support focus bracketing and focus stacking - a fantastic advantage for macro or landscape shooters wanting deep-field captures effortlessly.

Burst and Shutter Speeds: Catching the Action

If you’re after action, continuous shooting speed matters a lot.

The S1H shoots 9 fps, a respectable speed for a heavy, full-frame mirrorless focused on balanced pro performance. Its mechanical shutter caps at 1/8000s, good enough for most scenarios.

The FZ80 edges it with 10 fps burst rate, impressive considering its bridge format. Electronic shutters go to an ultra-fast 1/16000s, letting you shoot wide-open in bright daylight without filters.

Still, neither is a sports specialist, but the FZ80’s burst and extreme zoom make it a nice pocket wildlife or travel camera.

Video Capabilities: Cinema-Grade vs Casual Recording

Now, where the Panasonic S1H really shines is video.

It’s Panasonic’s first full-frame mirrorless camera specifically designed to meet demanding cinema requirements. The S1H shoots 6K video at 24p with 200 Mbps, supports H.264 and H.265 codecs, and includes professional tools like a headphone and microphone jack, focus peaking, waveform monitor, and V-Log/V-Gamut profiles.

The FZ80 offers 4K UHD recording at 30p, 100 Mbps in MP4 format, and 1080p at 60p - all handy for YouTube and casual projects - but lacks external mic or headphone jacks.

If you’re primarily a videographer or hybrid shooter, the S1H’s video prowess is a game-changer. The FZ80 is a great “grab and go” for occasional video but not designed for advanced workflows or cinematic output.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Trust in Tough Conditions

Professional photographers often demand durability and weather resistance.

The S1H features full weather and dust sealing with magnesium alloy chassis, able to withstand harsh environments. This makes it viable for field professionals who shoot outdoors in fog, rain, or dusty settings.

The FZ80 has no weather sealing and a primarily plastic build, understandable given its price point. It’s less suited for harsh adventures, so keep it dry and protected.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Open System vs All-in-One

Lens selection drastically affects long-term versatility.

The S1H’s Leica L-mount compatibility connects you to a growing range of high-quality prime and zoom lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma. This open system gives professional-grade options from ultrawide to super-telephoto and specialty lenses like macros, tilt-shift, and cine optica.

The FZ80’s fixed lens covers 20-1200mm equivalent focal length - a remarkable 60x zoom from wide to super-telephoto - perfect for travel and spontaneous shoots. However, it cannot be swapped out.

If you love experimenting with glass or require specialized optics, the S1H is your choice. For convenience and extreme zoom reach, the FZ80 serves well.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting All Day

Practical issues like battery endurance can make or break a shoot.

The S1H offers about 400 shots per charge per CIPA rating - standard for full-frame mirrorless - and dual SD card slots supporting UHS-II for fast, reliable storage.

The FZ80 manages roughly 330 shots, with a single SD slot accommodating all common cards.

For prolonged sessions or professional assignments, dual slots on the S1H offer peace of mind with auto backup or overflow. The FZ80's single slot means you need to carry extra cards with you.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Linked in 2024

Both cameras include Wi-Fi connectivity for image transfer or remote shooting. The S1H adds Bluetooth but no GPS.

The FZ80 lacks Bluetooth or NFC but offers HDMI, USB 2.0 ports.

The S1H’s illuminated buttons, customizable controls, and superior EVF magnification also set a pro-level ergonomic tone.

Hands-On Shooting Experience Across Genres

Now, let’s break down how these cameras perform for specific photographic genres, drawing on my extensive field testing.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh Rendering

The full-frame sensor of the S1H naturally yields creamy background blur and smooth skin tones, especially with fast Leica L-mount lenses. The 225-point AF locks quickly on faces with accurate eye detection, though not animal eyes. Its articulating screen helps with composition.

The FZ80’s small sensor and fixed lens create sharper, deeper depth of field shots with limited bokeh control. Face detection AF works, but lower background separation reduces the signature portrait ‘pop’.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail

In landscapes, size and quality matter. The S1H’s dynamic range of around 14 stops captures highlight-to-shadow detail beautifully, something you’ll notice in sunrise/sunset scenes. The high-resolution files offer ample cropping or large prints.

The FZ80 is capable for casual landscapes but with limited dynamic range and detail due to sensor size. Its fixed lens can distort horizons slightly at wide angle.

For outdoors, the weather-sealed S1H is a huge plus - don’t underestimate how protective gear extends shooting time.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Telephoto Reach

The FZ80 dominates reach with a 1200mm equivalent zoom, allowing close-ups of distant birds and mammals without bulky lenses. Its 10 fps burst mode helps capture action.

The S1H needs expensive telephoto glass to match reach but offers more reliable AF tracking in good light and better image quality.

If you prefer convenience and budget, FZ80 shines for wildlife beginners; the S1H is for pros invested in optics.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Speed

Both cameras offer continuous AF and burst modes - 9 fps for S1H and 10 fps for FZ80. However, neither is a specialized sports camera with advanced phase detection or pro AF algorithms.

The S1H’s larger sensor produces superior image quality but larger lenses limit portability. The FZ80’s zoom range and speed can work for local sports shots or amateurs.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Low-Light

The compact form factor and lighter weight of the FZ80 lend to stealthier street shooting. Its fixed zoom helps you react fast with less fuss.

The S1H is bulkier and louder but offers better low light ISO and a high-res EVF for critical composition. However, it’s less discreet.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Precision

The S1H paired with dedicated macro lenses and focus stacking excels at high-precision close-ups with magnificent detail and bokeh.

The FZ80 can focus as close as 1cm and offers focus bracketing but is limited by its fixed lens optics. Good for casual macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure

The S1H’s ISO range up to 204800 and sensor size make it an excellent astrophotography tool with low noise.

The FZ80’s smaller sensor struggles in ultra-low light. Longer exposures are limited to 4 seconds minimum shutter speed vs 60 seconds on S1H.

Video Production: Professional vs Casual

Here the S1H takes a hard lead with 6K video, advanced codecs, and audio I/O. It is designed to compete with dedicated cinema cameras.

The FZ80 is good for simple 4K clips and family videos but not serious videography.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery

The FZ80 is an all-in-one travel solution with huge zoom and small size, plus decent battery life.

The S1H is bulkier but versatile for those wanting full-frame quality and pro visual storytelling.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

The S1H’s build, dual cards, raw support, and lens ecosystem fit pro workflows perfectly. It integrates well into tethered studio setups.

The FZ80 is not aimed at professionals but enthusiasts and casual users.

Overall Performance and Ratings: How Do They Stack Up?

Here’s a visual summary of their overall and genre-specific performance, based on my testing and technical analysis.

Unsurprisingly, the S1H scores top marks in video, professional, landscape, and portrait categories while the FZ80 shines in travel and telephoto convenience.

Price and Value: What You Get for Your Money

The Panasonic S1H retails around $4000 body-only, reflecting its pro-grade imaging, robust build, and video capabilities.

The FZ80 retails near $400, astonishingly affordable given its 60x zoom and feature set.

Put simply, the S1H demands a serious investment but pays dividends in image quality and professional functionality. The FZ80 offers great value for amateurs or travelers on a budget wanting a capable, versatile camera.

My Final Take: Who Should Buy Which?

So, who’s the S1H for? If you’re a professional photographer or filmmaker who needs cinema-quality video, exceptional full-frame image quality, and a rugged build for varied shooting conditions - the S1H is a stellar choice. It also suits enthusiasts who crave the ultimate in control, lens options, and creative flexibility.

For beginners, travel photographers, or hobbyists prioritizing superzoom reach, portability, and budget-friendliness, the FZ80 is a clever all-in-one solution. It won’t replace a DSLR or full-frame mirrorless for image quality or low light, but it covers an astonishing range for casual shooting and travel snapshots.

Panasonic S1H front Panasonic S1H screen back Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back

If you want to see the jump in detail and tonality, check out this side-by-side gallery of sample images: the S1H’s breathtaking sharpness and color versus the FZ80’s convenient zoom shots.

In short: The Panasonic Lumix S1H boldly aims at professionals demanding cinematic video and top-tier pictures, while the Lumix FZ80 delivers maximum zoom reach and ease of use in a budget-friendly package.

I hope my in-depth comparison helps you identify which camera is your next perfect photographic companion.

Happy shooting!